Epiphyllum (epi) is a genus of epiphytic cacti native to Central and South America. Unlike desert cacti, these forest-dwelling plants require filtered light, well-draining organic soil, and higher humidity to thrive. Growers prize them for their spectacular, short-lived flowers, often crossing them into complex hybrids to achieve specific petal shapes and vibrant colors.
Heard on the job
We need to repot those epis into a looser bark mix before the growing season starts.
Insider tip
What look like flat, fleshy leaves on an epi are actually modified stems adapted to photosynthesize in the dappled light of a forest canopy.
Also heard as
- orchid cactus